The family that works together, sticks together - at least that's the case for the Bradstocks.
"We all came to T2D from a previous project at SA Water," Analou Bradstock, who is working with husband Alex and daughter Divini on South Australia's biggest-ever road project, says.
"As soon as the T2D Project was awarded, I was the first to jump on board. Then Alex joined T2D soon after as a superintendent, and a safety position at the South Site popped up so Divini joined as well.
Divini, the youngest Bradstock on site, found her way into the industry after exploring opportunities in safety.
"After two jobs in retail and getting a Certificate in Hospitality, I wanted a change," Divini says.
"I really wanted to get more involved in mental health - keeping those around me safe, implementing wellbeing as a priority. I did a Certificate IV in Safety, and that’s how I got onto the previous project we all worked on.
"I spend half my time in the office and the other half in the field, engaging with people and 
getting things organised."
Alex, the seasoned superintendent, jokes that he was laying foundations for a career in construction before he could walk.
"I come from a family of construction. I started off very young - helping other family members with concrete jobs and I’ve always been around big machines," says.
"I took on a Diploma of Project Management when I was at SA Water. I love what I do and couldn’t do anything other than this. What I like the most is not just seeing progress on site but in the team as well."
At home, the workday doesn’t quite end immediately - it transforms into reflection.
"Work conversations happen during dinner time, and we talk about the highs and lows of our day and how we can overcome challenges. But when dinner is over - no more work!" Divini says.
Alex and Analou’s personal story is as memorable as their career paths. When asked how they met, Analou laughs.
"People say this is so interesting and that we should put it in a book - Alex ran me off the road!" she says.
"At the time, Alex was building the external part of the Hume Freeway in Albury-Wodonga.
"I was driving to the gym, and this young guy in his ute with his friend was on the on-ramp and he accidentally cut me off and almost crashed into me
"I was very angry. We got to a set of red lights, and he looked at me like, 'how you doin'? what are you up to this weekend?' I said, 'Are you serious? You nearly crashed into me! I’m working at a nightclub'. He asked which one, so I told him, and without fail, he rocked up at 10pm sharp and did not leave my sight.
"He must have left a pretty good impression because he proposed six weeks after we met and we’ve been together for more than 20 years."
Alex adds: "You know when something is right."
Investing in South Australia’s future
The Bradstock’s see many opportunities in South Australia, especially in infrastructure.
"The city is growing so much, even since we’ve been here, and it’s clear that it needs more roads, more rail, more supporting infrastructure to get people around," Analou says.
"This project is connecting south to north, but we need to connect more places when we’re finished. It will continue to encourage more people to visit."
Alex agrees: "We relocated to SA, and we’ll stay because there’s so much potential here and so much to do.”
He’s especially passionate about mentoring the next generation.
"It’s great to see when young people who have a drive for the industry first start - they get their white card, steel cap boots and arrive on site really green," Alex says.
"But you see the progress they make each day - showing initiative and looking for new ways of doing things.
"When I see the excitement on their faces when they do something for the first time and it works - that’s what keeps me going. It’s a good feeling that there will be others in the future to continue what we’ve started."
Operating with excellence
Even with family ties, professionalism is paramount.
"When I’m at work, I’m Analou the co-worker and I absolutely pull up things I don’t agree with with Alex," Analou says.
"If I do a site visit and see something that isn’t there but should be – you bet I’ll point it out."
But Analou is also quick to acknowledge the strengths that always shine through.
"I’m so proud because Alex has always delivered his projects on time, on budget, and with care for those around him."
For more information on the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project click here (external site) (external site).
